It was an emotional night on “American Idol” and not just because it was judge Simon Cowell’s final time to judge the contestants.
“American Idol’s” final Season 9 match-up – between soulful folk singer Crystal Bowersox and radio friendly-voiced Lee DeWyze – took place on Tuesday and the singers brought their best, each performing three emotive works.
Round 1 allowed the contenders to choose their favorite song of the season and despite being the group’s token rocker, Lee DeWyze opened the show with a softer number – Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer.”
The somber tone of the show-opening song hurt Lee with the judges including Simon, who suggested Lee needed to spend the night packing a bigger punch.
“This is the big one, right? So I would expect actually a lot more passion, excitement,” Simon told the former paint salesman from Mount Prospect, Ill. “That was a kiss on the cheek, not a kiss on the lips…. It’s got to be a bit more.”
Simon found what he was looking for – a more punchy opening — in Crystal’s Round 1 choice, Janis Joplin’s “Me & Bobby McGee,” which she performed for the second time this competition, again to great fanfare.
“This brought me back to the time when we absolutely fell in love with you… and I think the last three or four weeks, it hasn’t been great,” Simon told the dreadlocked mom. “This is you, back on your best, and you know what, we’ve got a competition. That was terrific.”
Round 2 featured songs chosen by “Idol” executive producer Simon Fuller, and he gave Lee R.E.M.‘s classic, “Everybody Hurts.”
The judges noticed a couple of moments when Lee slipped out of tune, and again, Simon counseled the 23-year-old to put more of a punch into the way he performed the material.
“I think you’ve got to understand the importance of what this night can do in terms of changing your life,” Simon advised. “And when you come out for your last performance, I want a 10 out of 10 (Lee nodded), because you’re capable of it.”
Things went better for Crystal, who was given the Alannah Myles classic, “Black Velvet,” which she sang with passion.
“That was fan-tastic,” Ellen DeGeneres raved, before giving Crystal a standing ovation.
Simon too, who said he had an aversion to the song after years of hearing it in auditions, offered similar praise. “You took that song and absolutely nailed it,” he noted. “I’m very impressed.”
In previous seasons, the final round on “Idol” was reserved for an original song the contestants would perform, chosen from a host of sources – famed songwriters, and even an original online songwriting contest. On Tuesday, however, Round 3 (the song the winner will release as their first single) turned out to be covers of songs by famous artists.
Lee performed U2’s much-beloved “Beautiful Day,” but he fell short of delivering the 10 out of 10 which Simon had requested.
“I think you got swallowed up by that song,” Kara DioGuardi noted.
Simon, in his final comment to Lee, his second to last on “Idol” ever, turned an average performance into a big positive.
“Look, this is my final time I’m ever gonna judge this show, and I just wanna say about you… This is what this competition is designed for, which is somebody who needs a break, in a normal job, working in a paint shop,” Simon told the blue-eyed gent. “You’ve worked hard, you’ve remained a really, really nice person throughout and I genuinely wish the best for you. You’re a great guy.”
Crystal Bowersox performed Patty Griffin’s “Up To The Mountain (MLK),” a heartfelt number that suited her soulful tones. She hit a home run with her final number.
“Culminating our ninth season on the show, seeing my boy Simon leave the panel. This is what this show is about, an amazing song by an amazing singer,” Randy Jackson raved. “I’m so proud of you man, this is one of the greatest performances.”
Before Simon could offer his take, Crystal stopped the show and all eyes were on her as she addressed the British judge – a true original, who helped revolutionize reality TV.
“You’ve been amazing this season,” she began. “I know that this is your last season and just, thank you for all the critique and criticism and help and, you know, on your journeys and everything, I hope you do well.”
Though touched by her words, Crystal didn’t affect Simon’s final comments as he had already been moved by her tremendous final performance.
“I thought that was by far the best performance and the song of the night… and since this will be final critique I’m ever gonna give, I would just like to say, that was outstanding,” Simon concluded.
The show ended with a montage of the season, which screend behind original British “Pop Idol” winner, Will Young, who performed “Leave Right Now” on the big “Idol” stage.
On Wednesday’s two-hour finale, the ninth “American Idol” will be chosen and Simon Cowell will say his final goodbyes.
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